Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do you trap stoats and rats?
A: After extensive research, the stoat has been identified as the main
predator of kiwi chicks. In the wild, only 5% of kiwi chicks survive
after the 1st 6 months of their life due to stoats - and other
introduced predators
- like ferrets, rats, hedgehogs and feral cats and dogs. The DoC 150,
200 and 250 kill traps have been humane approved to ensure minimal
suffering to the target animal. For more information, about the traps we
use, please click here.

The arch-enemy of much of our native NZ wildlife, the stoat
(mustela erminea) is an agile carnivore and carrion-eater that is able
to climb trees to raid birds nests and go underground to attack kiwi
chicks and eggs in their burrows. They also predate upon insects
(especially weta) rodents, lizards, freshwater crayfish (koura), fish,
rabbits and hares.

Stoats are believed to be primarily responsible for the
extinction of some species of indigenous New Zealand birds (Laughing
Owl, Bush Wren and Native Thrush) and have certainly caused massive
declines in the population of many other island and mainland bird
species.

Q: In Australia, opossum are a protected
species; Why are they such an unwanted pest in New Zealand?
A: Like most
introduced species into New Zealand, the Australian "possum" has been an
ecological disaster for native plants and animals. Our NZ bush tucker
suits them so well that, despite our efforts to control them, they have
increased both in physical size and number to an estimated population of
40 million today! Since their introduction in 1837 to establish a trade
for their fur, the Australian brush-tailed possums have competed with
local fauna for food. As omnivores, they not only consume vast
quantities of vegetation and berries - and often to the local extinction
of their preferred dietary targets - but also they are known to
raid birds nests and kiwi burrows for eggs and young chicks, eating
native lizards, snails, worms, wetas and other insects. In short, they
predate upon - and compete for food with - much of our native wildlife,
to the extent that they threaten their very existence.

In areas where possums have been eradicated or severely reduced in
population, there is always a marked return of native birds and plants -
as we have witnessed in the Rimutaka Forest Park.

Q: Can I take my dog into the Rimutaka
Forest Park?
A: Yes, but there are restrictions in certain areas, including the Kiwi
Release area - where dogs are excluded and must be kept on a leash at all times
on the adjacent tracks - and the
Scientific Reserve, where dogs are prohibited from entry. For more
details, please refer to this DoC
link. (Adobe .pdf format)

Q: Why do I need to keep my dog on a lead?
S/he is a good dog; very obedient.
A: The scent of kiwi is almost irresistible to most dogs unless they
have received "avian aversion training" specifically for kiwi.
Unlike other birds, kiwi do not have a strong sternum (breast bone), so even a dog with a very
soft mouth can fatally damage a kiwi.

Q. I would like more information about the huts for hire in
the Rimutaka Forest Park. Where should I look first?
A. You can view photos of and information about all of the DOC huts available for hire within the
Rimutaka Forest Park at the DOC website here:
Lodges and Other Accommodation

Q. What is the cost of hiring a hut in the Orongorongo Valley and
what are the terms and conditions?
A. Click this link to see the current prices and terms and
conditions applicable for
Rimutaka Forest Park Booked Huts

Q: Where do I go to book a hut (a.k.a. bush
cabin) in the Orongorongos/ Rimutaka Forest Park?A: You can make bookings over the Internet at this
DoC website link, or you can go to the DoC Visitor's Centre in
downtown Wellington, at this address:

Q: I want to become a volunteer, but I don't
want to trap or kill pest animals. How can I help?
A: There are many different roles and activities available for people,
particularly on the administration/organisational part of the Trust's
work, plus other projects, like tree planting. You don't have to be
"super-fit" either, or indeed, have anything to do with the
trapping network activities. So email
volunteers@rimutakatrust.org.nz
to express your interest and get more information!

Children playing in the Turere Stream at its confluence with the Orongorongo River

Native Praying Mantis (Orthodera Novaezealandiae) Helping to keep
some other insect pests like wasps at bay, these well-camouflaged
carnivores sometimes look like they are praying (with their front legs
poised to strike) whilst stalking their prey!

(Photo credit: Andrew Morrison)

The picturesque Catchpool Stream adjacent to the car park in the
Rimutaka Forest Park, near Wainuiomata.

(Photo credit: PC)

Q. I'd like to book the Catchpool Centre for a private event
or workshop. Where can I do this and how do I get more information about
this venue hire opportunity?
A. Bookings for the Catchpool Centre, Rimutaka Forest Park can be made
at the counter of the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre at 18 Manners
Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand. (Or simply Telephone: +64 4 384 7770
for more information).